At the Corner Of #ModernItalian & #PeasantFood

… you will find chef Pat Pascarella’s dream come true: Bar Sugo. Amidst a constant and ever changing culinary landscape with its comings and goings of area restaurants, it is important to take a moment and recognize this gem which has been proudly serving delicious and consistent food for almost three years now. Ask anyone about Bar Sugo, and they will tell you its one of their favorite places to eat in Fairfield county. The reason is as simple as the simply delicious food that chef Pascarella keeps dishing out night after night.

Here is a chef that believes strongly in the idea of supporting local farms and farmers. He even has his own little vegetable garden which he sources from. Why? Because the flavors are truly special and the sense of terroir the strongest. And most importantly, he can be certain of the quality of the produce he is serving his guests. As simple as that!

Another notable quality of chef Pascarella’s food is that his recipes are inspired and inherited from him mom. He remembers the spectacular flavors he was used to while growing up – so instead of reinventing them, he serves them just the way his mom did. Like me, you may not be Italian by origin, but at first bite of chef Pascarella’s food – you will know you are eating something truly authentic made with superior quality ingredients. How awesome is that?

I recently had the pleasure of sampling the summer menu at Bar Sugo. And I am not kidding when I say that pretty much everything was perfection! The pizza crust is outstanding! It has the perfect texture and mouthfeel and well balanced flavor. Top that with superior quality ingredients and what you have is a winner. The Pizza menu is an absolute must try!

Chef Pascarella is equally known for his handmade pastas. Man oh! man! You have GOT to try the Cacio e Pepe (spaghetti). It will make you feel like an Italian child happily galavanting around the streets of Italy! So simple and yet so good. The Ricotta Gnocchi was another one of my favorites, specially because I love the combination of sage and brown butter just like this was tossed in. Yum! The Short Rib Lasagna fell a tad bit short in flavor for me. Here I thought the layers of lasagna weakened the total flavor profile and the short rib had a hard time shining through.

Another hit on the menu is the Panzanella Salad with heirloom tomatoes, onions and cucumber! It was the most gorgeous plate to look at and the flavors were so fresh and bright – just like the gorgeous summer we are enjoying right now. I can’t imagine anyone not loving this dish. So be sure to order this one next time you are at Bar Sugo.

The Creamy Polenta with Wild Mushrooms, topped with minute egg – was luxuriously creamy and earthy at the same time. It is one of those feel good dishes…. that will be sure to warm your heart and soul. Perhaps on a cool and rainy summer evening?….

The dessert selection is like a melody of sweet dreams you may have when you start to think about Italy. Tartufo! Tiramisu! Cannolis! … Need I go on? These delicious sweet treats are as bold and full of enthusiasm as the chef that serves them!

If you haven’t already been, I don’t know what you are waiting for. And if you haven’t been there in while – you’d better revisit soon. Because I know that Chef Pat Pascarella is ready and waiting for you!